Yankees given harsh Ryan Jeffers reality before trade deadline

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Yankees given harsh Ryan Jeffers reality before trade deadline originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

There's no doubt that the New York Yankees will be searching for a catcher upgrade at the trade deadline.

The trio of Austin Wells, J.C. Escarra and Ali Sanchez has not produced nearly enough on offense.

"Even with Austin Wells hitting a pair of home runs in New York's final few games before the All-Star Break, the Yankees have a year-to-date 'as catcher' triple-slash of .176/.251/.270," wrote Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller.

For weeks, rumors have connected the Yankees to a slugging backstop from the Minnesota Twins.

But given the Twins' surprising record and their potential run to the postseason, the AL Central club appears unlikely to sell.

That leaves the Yankees without a legitimate chance to make a strong offer for right-handed hitter Ryan Jeffers.

"Everyone has been connecting them to Minnesota's Ryan Jeffers for a while now, but Cincinnati's Tyler Stephenson is exponentially more likely to actually end up on the trade block," Miller added.

Unless the Reds go on a hot streak over the next few weeks, Stephenson is the most likely catcher to be made available on the trade market. That includes All-Star Hunter Goodman from the Colorado Rockies.

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Stephenson does not possess the same power as Jeffers, but his offensive output is better than Wells'.

In 73 games this season, the 29-year-old is hitting .238/.319/.361 with six home runs and a .680 OPS.

Even though Jeffers may be unavailable, the Yankees should consider any options.

Unfortunately for them, Stephenson may be the best option due to the expanded Wild Card format.

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